Gossip Girl: Monstrous Ball: Episode 5 Season 6 – TV Review

It seems like just yesterday Serena and Blair were introduced to high society. Their Cotillion was an unforgettable night in which The Piercessang of secrets, while Nate and Carter threw down on the dance floor. In last night’s Gossip Girl, the gang came together for Sage’s “Monstrous Ball” (aka. debutant ball). This time, there were no black eyes, just a few broken hearts.

The Players:

Episode Title: “Monstrous Ball”

Blair decides to embrace her new title as “provocateur designer” by making a splash with a dress at the Cotillion. But Sage’s shocking revelation at the ball is the real attention-getter. Serena becomes worried about Steven’s attitude toward her, and discovers the surprising reason why. Chuck finds an unlikely ally as he tries to drive a wedge between Bart and Lily to expose his father’s secret. Meanwhile, Dan publishes another article that angers Georgina.

The Good:

Black and White Opening: The opening of last night’s episode was quite refreshing. There were a few flashback clips of Serena and Blair’s Cotillion, mixed with old, vintage-looking debutant videos of unknown (probably real) people. It was very Lana Del Rey!

Serena Goes to Nate: Serena starts to worry that Steven might be pulling away from her, so she goes to Nate for advice. She doesn’t have a best friend right now, so it’s nice to see Nate be there for her when she needs him. These two have been good friends for a while, and that scene proved how respectful and loving they are of each other.

Sage Loses Nate: Finally Sage gets what she deserves. The little brat is worse than Blair at 16, and that’s saying a lot. Nate finds out she leaked Serena and Dan’s sex tape and he dumped her – on the dance floor! Oh sweet karma!

Dan and Serena Reconnect: Dan and Serena’s reconnection was the biggest surprise in “Monstrous Ball.” Could it be that they’re actually meant to be together after all? Normally, we’d call this cheesy and predictable, but the couple has a great backstory. Their last scene at the diner, when they’re just talking and feasting on fries, pie and milkshakes, is absolutely perfect. Their reconnection felt organic, like it was bound to happen.

Best Lines:

“I don’t want the help of a con-artist and a probable sociopath.” –Chuck

“There is no Chuck Bass chapter without Blair Waldorf.” –Blair

“Your generation can’t be trusted with scheming on good faith.” –Blair

“Well, I suppose I could overlook your upbringing now that you’re a regular feature on Vanity Fair.” –Blair

“But let’s face it Serena, you don’t have boyfriends. You have life rafts.” –Lily

“You know what, you may be legal, but this is way too high school for me.” –Nate

The Bad:

Chuck Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against Bart: Chuck has been fighting long and hard to try to get Lily on his team. But last night, we were reminded of just how wicked Lily can be. She doesn’t care if she’s abetting a criminal, as long as that criminal buys her diamond necklaces. Bart came clean with Lily and she accepted his law-breaking ways. What is Chuck supposed to do now? It feels like he just doesn’t stand a chance anymore.

Ivy’s Intentions: Rufus found out that Ivy’s rich, like she can “buy half of Manhattan” rich. So now that she’s not hiding that from him, what are her intentions? Is she really that keen on revenge on Lily, or does she have something else up her sleeve? We would like to know why she’s still around. And, if she’s so damn wealthy, why can’t she have a better wardrobe? Her backless shirts are just plain funky.

Overall:

Serena and Steven are done. Sage managed to break them up via the sex tape. But Steven knew that Serena had a promiscuous past. If he was, in fact, “in love” with her, he should have overlooked it, just as she forgave him for sleeping for her mother (and forgetting about it). If their break-up means her and Dan have a chance, then by all means – Goodbye Steven! This episode was shockingly good and that’s exactly how we like our Gossip Girl.